Window manufacturing apparatus and window manufacturing method using same

Abstract

The invention provides a window manufacturing apparatus and a window manufacturing method using the same. The window manufacturing apparatus may include: a melting unit configured to supply molten glass; and a shape processing unit disposed adjacent to the melting unit in a direction in which the molten glass is discharged from the melting unit. The shape processing unit may include a protruding portion that forms a groove in the preliminary glass discharged from the melting unit, so that glass manufacturing and shape processing can be continuously performed, thereby improving process quality of the manufactured window and improving process economy.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0147216, filed on October 25, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to window manufacturing apparatus and window manufacturing method, and more specifically, to a window manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a glass window including a partially thinned area and a window manufacturing method using the window manufacturing apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] Various types of electronic devices are used to provide image information, and recently, electronic devices including flexible display panels capable of folding or bending have been developed. Unlike rigid electronic devices, flexible electronic devices can withstand various shape changes such as folding, rolling, or bending, and are portable, regardless of the screen size on which the image is displayed. Such flexible electronic devices require windows to protect the display panel without hindering folding or bending operations. Accordingly, there is a need to develop a method and apparatus for manufacturing windows with excellent surface properties that ensure good folding performance without compromising display quality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a method and apparatus for manufacturing a window with uniform surface properties.

[0005] This disclosure also provides a window manufacturing method and a window manufacturing apparatus that have excellent process economy and are easy to control the shape of the thinning zone of the window.

[0006] This disclosure provides a window manufacturing apparatus comprising: a melting unit configured to supply molten glass; and a shaping unit configured adjacent to the melting unit in the direction in which the molten glass is discharged, and including a protrusion that forms a groove in the semi-solidified preliminary glass after the semi-solidified preliminary glass is discharged from the melting unit.

[0007] In one aspect, the shape processing unit may include: a first sub-shape processing unit and a second sub-shape processing unit, spaced apart from each other in the thickness direction of the preliminary glass, wherein the preliminary glass is located between the first sub-shape processing unit and the second sub-shape processing unit, wherein at least one of the first sub-shape processing unit and the second sub-shape processing unit includes at least one protruding portion.

[0008] In one aspect, the protruding portion may extend in a direction parallel to the discharge direction of the molten glass and protrude toward the preliminary glass so that the shape of the protruding portion can be transferred onto the preliminary glass.

[0009] In one aspect, the shape processing unit may include: a protruding area, wherein a protruding portion is provided; and a first flat area and a second flat area, each including a flat surface, and arranged to be spaced apart from each other, wherein the protruding area is located between the first flat area and the second flat area.

[0010] In one aspect, the shape processing unit can be fixedly positioned at a predetermined distance from the melting unit in the discharge direction.

[0011] In one aspect, the shaping unit can form grooves in the preliminary glass and cool the preliminary glass.

[0012] In one aspect, the shape processing unit may include a roller containing protruding portions.

[0013] In one aspect, the roller may include: a protruding region, wherein a protruding portion is provided; and a first flat region and a second flat region, arranged to be spaced apart from each other, wherein the protruding region is located between the first flat region and the second flat region, and the diameter of the protruding region may be greater than the diameter of the first flat region and the diameter of the second flat region.

[0014] In one aspect, the window manufacturing apparatus may further include: a cooling unit arranged spaced apart from the melting unit, wherein the shaping unit is located between the cooling unit and the melting unit.

[0015] In one aspect, the shaping unit may include: a first sub-roller and a second sub-roller, spaced apart from each other in the thickness direction of the preliminary glass, wherein the preliminary glass is located between the first sub-roller and the second sub-roller, and wherein at least one of the first sub-roller and the second sub-roller includes at least one protruding portion.

[0016] In one aspect, the first sub-roller and the second sub-roller can rotate while the preliminary glass is between the first sub-roller and the second sub-roller, transferring the shape of the protruding portion onto the preliminary glass and moving the preliminary glass.

[0017] In one aspect, the shape processing unit may include an upper shape processing unit and a lower shape processing unit, which are arranged sequentially in the direction in which the molten glass is discharged and each includes a protruding portion, and the protruding portions of the upper shape processing unit and the lower shape processing unit may overlap each other in the direction in which the molten glass is discharged.

[0018] In one aspect, a micro-pattern comprising multiple sub-protrusions can be defined on the surface of the protrusions.

[0019] In one aspect, the window manufacturing apparatus may further include: a transfer unit configured to move the solidified glass window that has been processed in the shaping unit.

[0020] In one aspect of this disclosure, a method for manufacturing a window using a window manufacturing apparatus (which includes a melting unit and a shaping unit containing protrusions) includes: supplying glass raw material to the melting unit to manufacture molten glass; discharging the molten glass from the melting unit to supply semi-solidified preliminary glass to the shaping unit; forming grooves in the preliminary glass using the protrusions in the shaping unit; and cooling the preliminary glass.

[0021] In one aspect, forming grooves in the preliminary glass and cooling the preliminary glass can be performed simultaneously in the shaping unit.

[0022] In one aspect, forming a groove in the preliminary glass may include: positioning a shaping unit adjacent to the preliminary glass; or operating the shaping unit such that the shape of the protrusion is transferred onto the preliminary glass.

[0023] In one aspect, the window manufacturing apparatus may further include a cooling unit disposed after the shape processing unit; and the thickness of the window may be corrected in the cooling unit.

[0024] In one aspect, providing preliminary glass to the shaping unit may include moving the preliminary glass from the melting unit to the shaping unit in a continuous manner in the discharge direction of the molten glass.

[0025] In one aspect, forming a groove in the initial glass may include forming the groove in the initial glass coherently through a protrusion. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of this disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various aspects of this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1A This is a perspective view illustrating the unfolded state of an electronic device according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 1B It is a diagram. Figure 1A The figure shows a perspective view of the inward folding process of an electronic device according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 1C It is a diagram. Figure 1A The figure shows a perspective view of the outward folding process of an electronic device according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2A This is a perspective view illustrating the unfolded state of an electronic device according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2B It is a diagram. Figure 2AThe figure shows a perspective view of the inward folding process of an electronic device according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 2C It is a diagram. Figure 2A The figure shows a perspective view of the outward folding process of an electronic device according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 3A This is a perspective view of an electronic device according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 3B and Figure 3C Each of them is a diagram. Figure 3A The illustration shows a perspective view of the electronic device in a multi-folded state according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0037] Figures 6A to 6C Each of these is a cross-sectional view of a window according to an aspect of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of a window manufacturing apparatus according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a window manufacturing apparatus according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0040] Figure 9A This is a perspective view of a shape processing unit according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 9B It is a cross-sectional view of the shape processing unit according to an aspect of this disclosure;

[0042] Figure 9C It is a cross-sectional view of the shape processing unit according to an aspect of this disclosure;

[0043] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of a window manufacturing apparatus according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0044] Figure 11A This is a perspective view of a shape processing unit according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0045] Figure 11B It is a cross-sectional view of the shape processing unit according to an aspect of this disclosure;

[0046] Figure 12The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a protruding portion in a shape processing unit according to an aspect of the present disclosure, and an enlarged plan view of a portion of the surface of the protruding portion;

[0047] Figure 13A This is a perspective view of a window manufacturing apparatus according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0048] Figure 13B This is a perspective view of a shape processing unit according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0049] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of a window manufacturing method according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0050] Figure 15 The illustration shows a step in a window manufacturing method according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0051] Figure 16 The illustration shows a step in a window manufacturing method according to aspects of this disclosure; and

[0052] Figure 17 It is a cross-sectional view of a window manufactured by a window manufacturing method according to aspects of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Various modifications and forms are possible in this disclosure, and specific aspects will be illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit this disclosure to the specific forms disclosed, and it will be understood that all changes, equivalents, or substitutions falling within the spirit and technical scope of this disclosure should be included.

[0054] In this specification, it will be understood that when an element (or area, layer, part, etc.) is referred to as being "on" another element, "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly on, directly connected to or coupled to that other element, or there may be an intermediary element.

[0055] The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements. Furthermore, in the drawings, the thickness, scale, and dimensions of the elements are exaggerated for the purpose of effectively describing the technical content. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations that the associated configuration can define.

[0056] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, a second element may also be referred to as a first element. Unless otherwise specified, singular terms include plural forms.

[0057] Furthermore, for ease of description, terms such as "below," "under," "above," and "upper" are used herein to describe the relationship between one element(s) and another element(s) illustrated in the figures. The terms above are relative concepts and are described based on the directions indicated in the figures.

[0058] It will be understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “having” indicate the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0059] In this specification, the term "direct placement" may mean that no layer, membrane, zone, or plate is added between one part of a layer, membrane, zone, or plate and another part. For example, the term "direct placement" may mean that two layers or two components are arranged without any additional components, such as adhesive components, between these two layers or two components.

[0060] Furthermore, in this specification, the expression "a section / part corresponds to another section / part" means "they overlap each other," but this expression is not limited to having the same area and / or the same shape. Additionally, in this specification, the expression "a section / part overlaps with another section / part" includes cases where sections / parts shown as overlapping each other when viewed in a plane at least partially overlap each other in the plane.

[0061] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms such as those defined in common dictionaries shall be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant art and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0062] In the following description, an electronic device, a window manufacturing apparatus, and a window manufacturing method according to aspects of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] Figures 1A to 5 The illustration shows an electronic device according to aspects of this disclosure, and Figures 1A to 5 The electronic device illustrated herein includes a glass window manufactured by the window manufacturing apparatus and method according to the present disclosure, which are described later. The glass window manufactured by the window manufacturing apparatus and method according to the present disclosure may also be referred to as a window.

[0064] Figure 1A This is a perspective view illustrating the unfolded state of an electronic device according to aspects of this disclosure. Figure 1B It is a diagram. Figure 1A The diagram shows a perspective view of the inward folding process of the electronic device. Figure 1C It is a diagram. Figure 1A The diagram shows a perspective view of the outward folding process of the electronic device.

[0065] The electronic device ED according to aspects of this disclosure can be activated based on an electrical signal. For example, the electronic device ED can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, car navigation system, game console, or wearable device, but aspects of this disclosure are not limited thereto. In this specification, by way of example, the electronic device ED... Figure 1A The image shown is of a mobile phone.

[0066] refer to Figures 1A to 1C An electronic device ED according to aspects of this disclosure may include a first display surface FS defined by a first direction axis DR1 and a second direction axis DR2 intersecting the first direction axis DR1. The electronic device ED can provide an image IM to a user through the first display surface FS. The electronic device ED according to aspects of this disclosure can display the image IM on the first display surface FS, which is parallel to each of the first direction axis DR1 and the second direction axis DR2, facing a third direction axis DR3. In this specification, the front (or upper) and rear (or lower) surfaces of each component are defined based on the display direction of the image IM. The front and rear surfaces may be opposite to each other on the third direction axis DR3, and the normal direction of each of the front and rear surfaces may be parallel to the third direction axis DR3.

[0067] An electronic device ED according to aspects of this disclosure may include a first display surface FS and a second display surface RS. The first display surface FS may include an electronic module region EMA. The second display surface RS may be defined as a surface opposite to at least a portion of the first display surface FS. That is, the second display surface RS may be defined as a portion of the rear surface of the electronic device ED.

[0068] The electronic device ED according to aspects of this disclosure can sense external input applied from the outside. External input can include various types of input provided from outside the electronic device ED. For example, external input can include not only touch made through a part of the user's body (such as the user's hand), but also external input applied at a predetermined distance (e.g., hovering) near or adjacent to the electronic device ED. Furthermore, external input can take various forms such as force, pressure, temperature, and light.

[0069] At the same time, Figure 1AThe first to third directional axes DR1 to DR3 are illustrated in the accompanying drawings below. The directions indicated by the first to third directional axes DR1, DR2, and DR3 as described in this specification are relative concepts and can be converted to other directions. Furthermore, the directions indicated by the first to third directional axes DR1, DR2, and DR3 can be described as first to third directions and the same reference numerals can be used for them.

[0070] The first display surface FS of the electronic device ED may include an active area activated according to an electrical signal. The electronic device ED according to aspects of this disclosure can display an image IM via the first display surface FS. Furthermore, various types of external inputs can be sensed on the first display surface FS.

[0071] The electronic device ED may include a folding region FA1 and non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2. In this aspect of the disclosure, the non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2 may be disposed adjacent to the folding region FA1, wherein the folding region FA1 is located between the non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2. The electronic device ED according to this aspect of the disclosure may include a first non-folding region NFA1 and a second non-folding region NFA2 arranged spaced apart from each other in the direction of a first direction axis DR1, wherein the folding region FA1 is located between the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2. For example, the first non-folding region NFA1 may be disposed on one side of the folding region FA1 along the first direction DR1, and the second non-folding region NFA2 may be disposed on the other side of the folding region FA1 along the first direction DR1.

[0072] at the same time, Figures 1A to 1C The illustration shows an aspect of an electronic device ED including a folded region FA1, but the aspects of this disclosure are not limited thereto, and multiple folded regions may be defined in the electronic device ED. For example, an electronic device according to an aspect of this disclosure may include two or more folded regions, and may also include three or more non-folded regions, wherein each of these folded regions is located between the three or more non-folded regions.

[0073] refer to Figure 1B According to aspects of this disclosure, the electronic device ED can be folded based on a first folding axis FX1. The first folding axis FX1 is a virtual axis extending in the direction of a second direction axis DR2, and the first folding axis FX1 can be parallel to the long side of the electronic device ED. The first folding axis FX1 can extend along the second direction axis DR2 on a first display surface FS.

[0074] The electronic device ED can be folded and transformed into an inward folded state based on the first folding axis FX1. In the inward folded state, one area of ​​the first display surface FS that overlaps with the first non-folded area NFA1 and another area of ​​the first display surface FS that overlaps with the second non-folded area NFA2 face each other.

[0075] Furthermore, when the electronic device ED according to this disclosure is in an inward-folded state, the second display surface RS can be visible to the user. The second display surface RS may further include an electronic module area in which electronic modules comprising various components are disposed, and the second display surface RS is not limited to any one aspect.

[0076] refer to Figure 1C According to aspects of this disclosure, the electronic device ED can be folded and transformed into an outward folded state based on a first folding axis FX1. In the outward folded state, one area of ​​the second display surface RS that overlaps with the first non-folded area NFA1 and another area of ​​the second display surface RS that overlaps with the second non-folded area NFA2 face each other.

[0077] However, the aspects of this disclosure are not limited thereto, and the electronic device ED can be folded based on multiple folding axes such that a portion of the first display surface FS and a portion of the second display surface RS can face each other, and the number of folding axes and the number of non-folded areas according to the number of folding axes are not particularly limited.

[0078] Various electronic modules can be housed in the Electronic Module Area (EMA). For example, an electronic module may include at least one of a camera, a speaker, a light sensor, and a heat sensor. The EMA can sense external objects received via a first display surface (FS) or a second display surface (RS), or provide sound signals, such as speech, to the outside via the first display surface (FS) or the second display surface (RS). An electronic module may include multiple components and is not limited to any one of them.

[0079] Figure 2A This is a perspective view illustrating the unfolded state of an electronic device according to aspects of this disclosure. Figure 2B It is a diagram. Figure 2A The figure shows a perspective view of the inward folding process of an electronic device according to aspects of this disclosure. Figure 2C It is a diagram. Figure 2A The figure shows a perspective view of the outward folding process of an electronic device according to an aspect of this disclosure.

[0080] According to aspects of this disclosure, the electronic device ED-a can be folded based on a second folding axis FX2 extending in a direction parallel to the second directional axis DR2. Figure 2BThe illustration shows the second folding axis FX2 extending parallel to the extension direction of the short side of the electronic device ED-a. However, the aspects of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0081] The electronic device ED-a according to aspects of this disclosure may include at least one folded region FA2 and non-folded regions NFA3 and NFA4 adjacent to the folded region FA2. The non-folded regions NFA3 and NFA4 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other, wherein the folded region FA2 is located between the non-folded regions NFA3 and NFA4.

[0082] The folded region FA2 has a predetermined curvature and a predetermined radius of curvature. In this aspect of the disclosure, the first non-folded region NFA3 and the second non-folded region NFA4 can face each other, and the electronic device ED-a can be folded inward so that the first display surface FS is not exposed to the outside. Furthermore, refer to... Figure 2C In this aspect of the disclosure, the electronic device ED-a can be folded outward so that the first display surface FS is exposed to the outside.

[0083] The electronic device ED-a according to aspects of this disclosure may include a second display surface RS, and the second display surface RS may be defined as a surface opposite to at least a portion of the first display surface FS. The second display surface RS may include an electronic module area EMA in which an electronic module comprising various components is disposed. Furthermore, images or videos may be displayed on at least a portion of the second display surface RS.

[0084] Meanwhile, in this disclosure, when the electronic device ED-a is in the unfolded state, the first display surface FS can be visible to the user, and when the electronic device ED-a is in the folded-in state, the second display surface RS can be visible to the user.

[0085] Figure 3A This is a perspective view of an electronic device according to aspects of this disclosure. Figure 3B and Figure 3C Each of them is a diagram. Figure 3A The illustration shows a perspective view of the electronic device in multiple folded states.

[0086] refer to Figures 3A to 3CThe electronic device ED-b according to aspects of this disclosure can be a multi-foldable device including multiple folding regions. The electronic device ED-b can include multiple folding regions FAa-1 and FAa-2 and multiple non-folding regions NFAa-1, NFAa-2, and NFAa-3. The electronic device ED-b according to aspects of this disclosure can include a first folding region FAa-1, a second folding region FAa-2, a first non-folding region NFAa-1, a second non-folding region NFAa-2, and a third non-folding region NFAa-3. In the first direction DR1, the first folding region FAa-1 is disposed between the first non-folding region NFAa-1 and the second non-folding region NFAa-2, and the second folding region FAa-2 is disposed between the second non-folding region NFAa-2 and the third non-folding region NFAa-3. Figures 3A to 3C The illustration shows two folded regions FAa-1 and FAa-2 and three non-folded regions NFAa-1, NFAa-2 and NFAa-3, but the number of folded and non-folded regions is not limited to this and can be further increased.

[0087] refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B The first folding area FAa-1 can be folded relative to a third folding axis FX3 parallel to the second direction DR2. The first folding area FAa-1 can be folded outwards, such that the rear surfaces of the second non-folding area NFAa-2 and the first non-folding area NFAa-1 face each other, and the display surface of the first non-folding area NFAa-1 faces outwards. The second folding area FAa-2 can be folded relative to a fourth folding axis FX4 parallel to the second direction DR2. The second folding area FAa-2 can be folded inwards, such that the display surfaces of the second non-folding area NFAa-2 and the third non-folding area NFAa-3 face each other.

[0088] refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3C The second folding area FAa-2 can be folded relative to a fourth folding axis FX4 parallel to the second direction DR2. The display surface of the second non-folding area NFAa-2 can be folded inward so that it is positioned inside the third non-folding area NFAa-3 and faces the display surface of the third non-folding area NFAa-3. The first folding area FAa-1 can be folded relative to a third folding axis FX3 parallel to the second direction DR2. The first folding area FAa-1 can be folded inward so that the rear surface of the third non-folding area NFAa-3 and the display surface of the first non-folding area NFAa-1 face each other.

[0089] Meanwhile, the multiple folding states of the electronic device ED-b are not limited to Figure 3B and Figure 3C The shape shown in the figure is as described, and the electronic device ED-b can have various folding shapes.

[0090] In this disclosure, both outward folding and inward folding operations can occur simultaneously, or only one of the outward folding and inward folding operations can occur.

[0091] In this disclosure, electronic devices ED, ED-a, and ED-b can be configured to alternately repeat inward folding and outward folding operations from an unfolding operation, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. In this disclosure, electronic devices ED, ED-a, and ED-b can be configured to select any one of an unfolding operation, an inward folding operation, and an outward folding operation. Furthermore, when multiple folding areas are included, the folding direction of at least one of these folding areas may differ from the folding directions of the remaining folding areas. For example, when two folding areas are included, two non-folding areas between one folding area can be folded by an inward folding operation, and two non-folding areas between the other folding area can be folded by an outward folding operation.

[0092] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to aspects of this disclosure. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device according to aspects of this disclosure. Figure 5 It is a diagram and Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the part corresponding to line I-I'.

[0093] at the same time, Figure 4 , Figure 5 And the following diagram illustrates this. Figure 1A The first folding axis FX1 of the electronic device ED shown in the figure is parallel to the long side of the electronic device ED, but the aspects of this disclosure are not limited thereto, and the content described with reference to the following figures can also be applied to, for example... Figure 2A The second folding axis FX2, as illustrated in the figure, is parallel to the short side of the electronic device ED-a, or as... Figure 3A The electronic device ED-b shown in the figure is folded multiple times.

[0094] An electronic device ED according to aspects of this disclosure may include a display module DM, a window module WM, and a housing HAU configured to accommodate the display module DM and the window module WM. The electronic device ED may further include a window adhesive layer AP-W configured to connect the display module DM and the window module WM.

[0095] The display module DM may include a display panel DP and a lower module LM disposed below the display panel DP. The lower module LM may include a support plate MP. Furthermore, in this disclosure, in addition to the support plate MP in the lower module LM, the display module DM may further include at least one of a protective layer PF, a support member SP, adhesive layers AP1, AP2, AP3 and AP4, and a digital converter module DTM.

[0096] A display panel (DP) can display images based on electrical signals and transmit / receive information about external inputs. A DP can include a display area (DP-DA) and a non-display area (DP-NDA). The display area (DA) can be defined as the area from which the image provided by the DP is output.

[0097] The non-display area DP-NDA is adjacent to the display area DP-DA. For example, the non-display area DP-NDA may surround the display area DP-DA. However, this is illustrated as an example, and the non-display area DP-NDA may be defined in various shapes, not limited to any one aspect. Furthermore, the display panel DP may include a non-display bent portion NDA-BP disposed on at least one side of the non-display area DP-NDA. The non-display bent portion NDA-BP may be bent towards the underside of the display module DM and is configured to overlap at least a portion of the display panel DP. Circuit layers, connecting lines, or circuit boards for displaying images or transmitting / receiving information may be mounted on or attached to the non-display bent portion NDA-BP.

[0098] In this disclosure, the display panel DP includes a display layer EDL. The display layer EDL may be a component that substantially generates an image. The user can view the image through a first display surface FS (see [link to first display surface]). Figure 1A The image produced by the EDL (Emitting Diode Layer) is viewed from the outside. The EDL can be a light-emitting display layer, but is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the EDL can be an organic light-emitting display layer or an inorganic light-emitting display layer. An organic light-emitting display layer may include light-emitting elements containing organic light-emitting materials in the light-emitting layer. In addition, an inorganic light-emitting display layer may include light-emitting elements containing materials such as quantum dots and / or quantum rods in the light-emitting layer.

[0099] The display panel (DP) may further include a sensor layer (ISL). The sensor layer (ISL) may be directly disposed on the display layer (EDL). The sensor layer (ISL) may include multiple sensing electrodes. The sensor layer (ISL) can sense external input using self-capacitance or mutual capacitance methods. The sensor layer (ISL) can also sense input via active input devices.

[0100] The sensor layer ISL can be formed directly on the display layer EDL during the fabrication of the display layer EDL using a continuous process. However, this disclosure is not limited to this, and the sensor layer ISL can be fabricated as a panel separate from the display layer EDL, and subsequently attached to the display layer EDL via an adhesive layer (not shown).

[0101] Furthermore, the display panel DP may further include an optical layer ROL. The optical layer ROL can be used to reduce the reflection of external light. For example, the optical layer ROL may include a polarizing layer or a color filter layer. However, the aspects of this disclosure are not limited thereto, and the optical layer ROL may include optical components for improving the display quality of the display module DM.

[0102] In this disclosure, the optical layer ROL can be directly disposed on the sensor layer ISL. Furthermore, when the sensor layer ISL is omitted from the display panel DP, the optical layer ROL can be directly disposed on the display layer EDL. However, this disclosure is not limited to this, and a separate adhesive component can be used to dispose the optical layer ROL on either the display layer EDL or the sensor layer ISL.

[0103] The display panel DP may include a foldable display portion FP-D and non-foldable display portions NFP1-D and NFP2-D. The foldable display portion FP-D may be connected to the folding area FA1 (see...). Figure 1A Correspondingly, the non-folding display portions NFP1-D and NFP2-D can correspond to the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 (see...). Figure 1A Correspondingly, the folded display portion FP-D and the non-folded display portions NFP1-D and NFP2-D of the display panel DP can also be referred to as the folded display portion and the non-folded display portion of the display module DM, respectively.

[0104] The folding display portion FP-D can be coupled with the first folding axis FX1 (see...). Figure 1B The folded or bent portion corresponds to the folded or bent portion. The display panel DP may include a first non-foldable display portion NFP1-D and a second non-foldable display portion NFP2-D, and the first non-foldable display portion NFP1-D and the second non-foldable display portion NFP2-D may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction DR1, wherein the folded display portion FP-D is located between the first non-foldable display portion NFP1-D and the second non-foldable display portion NFP2-D. The folded display portion FP-D may correspond to the folding area FA1 of the electronic device ED, and the first non-foldable display portion NFP1-D and the second non-foldable display portion NFP2-D may correspond to the first non-foldable area NFA1 and the second non-foldable area NFA2 of the electronic device ED, respectively.

[0105] In this disclosure, a support plate MP can be disposed below a display panel DP. The support plate MP may include a folding support portion FP-MP and non-folding support portions NFP1-MP and NFP2-MP. The first non-folding support portion NFP1-MP and the second non-folding support portion NFP2-MP of the support plate MP may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction DR1, wherein the folding support portion FP-MP is located between the first non-folding support portion NFP1-MP and the second non-folding support portion NFP2-MP. The folding support portion FP-MP may be associated with a folding area FA1 (see...). Figure 1A Correspondingly, the non-folding support portions NFP1-MP and NFP2-MP can correspond to the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 (see...). Figure 1A Correspondingly, the support plate MP may include a patterned portion PTA defining a plurality of openings OH. The patterned portion PTA may be included in the folding support portion FP-MP. By providing the patterned portion PTA corresponding to the folding area FA1, the folding or bending characteristics of the electronic device ED can be improved.

[0106] In the display module DM according to aspects of this disclosure, a protective layer PF of the lower module LM can be disposed between the display panel DP and the support plate MP. The protective layer PF can be disposed below the display panel DP to protect the rear surface of the display panel DP. The protective layer PF can overlap the entire display panel DP. The protective layer PF can include a polymer material. For example, the protective layer PF can be a polyimide film or a polyethylene terephthalate film. However, this is just an example, and the material of the protective layer PF is not limited thereto.

[0107] In this disclosure, the lower module LM may include a support member SP. The support member SP may include support layers SP1 and SP2. Support layers SP1 and SP2 may include a first support layer SP1 and a second support layer SP2 spaced apart from each other in the direction of the first direction axis DR1. The first support layer SP1 and the second support layer SP2 may be spaced apart from each other in portions corresponding to the folding axis region FA1. Since the support layers SP1 and SP2 are spaced apart from each other in the folding region FA1 and are provided as the first support layer SP1 and the second support layer SP2, the folding or bending characteristics of the electronic device ED can be improved. Furthermore, although not shown, the support layers SP1 and SP2 may further include a pad (not shown) and a lower support plate (not shown) stacked in the thickness direction.

[0108] The electronic device ED according to aspects of this disclosure may further include a digital converter module DTM disposed below a support plate MP. The digital converter module DTM according to aspects of this disclosure may include a digital converter layer and a shielding layer, etc. The digital converter module DTM may be included in the construction of a lower module LM.

[0109] The digital converter module (DTM) may include a first DTM1 and a second DTM2 arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a portion overlapping with the folded region FA1. The first DTM1 may be configured to correspond to the first non-folded region NFA1, and the second DTM2 may be configured to correspond to the second non-folded region NFA2.

[0110] In other words, in this aspect of the disclosure, the first digitizer module DTM1 and the second digitizer module DTM2 can be spaced apart from each other in the area overlapping with the folded display portion FP-D. The first digitizer module DTM1 can overlap with the first non-folded display portion NFP1-D, and the second digitizer module DTM2 can overlap with the second non-folded display portion NFP2-D.

[0111] Furthermore, the electronic device ED according to aspects of this disclosure may further include at least one of adhesive layers AP1, AP2, AP3, and AP4. For example, the first adhesive layer AP1 may be disposed between the display panel DP and the protective layer PF, and the second adhesive layer AP2 may be disposed between the protective layer PF and the support plate MP. The third adhesive layer AP3 and the fourth adhesive layer AP4 may be disposed between the support plate MP and the digital converter module DTM, and between the digital converter module DTM and the support member SP, respectively. At least one of the adhesive layers AP1, AP2, AP3, and AP4 may be an optically transparent adhesive film or an optically transparent adhesive resin layer. However, aspects of this disclosure are not limited thereto, and at least one of the adhesive layers AP1, AP2, AP3, and AP4 may have a low transmittance of about 80% or less.

[0112] at the same time, Figure 4 and Figure 5 The illustrations show the lower module LM including the protective layer PF, support plate MP, support member SP, adhesive layers AP1, AP2, AP3 and AP4, and the digital converter module DTM. However, the aspects of this disclosure are not limited to those illustrated, and considering the mechanical properties, form and operating characteristics required by the electronic device ED, the lower module LM may be constructed to include only some of the components listed above, or more components may be added in addition to the components of the lower module mentioned above.

[0113] The electronic device ED according to aspects of this disclosure includes a window module WM disposed on a display module DM. The window module WM may include a folded portion FP-W and non-folded portions NFP1-W and NFP2-W. The first non-folded portion NFP1-W and the second non-folded portion NFP2-W of the window module WM may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction DR1, wherein the folded portion FP-W is located between the first non-folded portion NFP1-W and the second non-folded portion NFP2-W. The folded portion FP-W may be associated with the folding area FA1 of the electronic device ED (see...). Figure 1A Correspondingly, the non-folding portions NFP1-W and NFP2-W can correspond to the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 of the electronic device ED, respectively. Furthermore, the folding portion FP-W can correspond to the folding display portion FP-D, and the non-folding portions NFP1-W and NFP2-W can correspond to the non-folding display portions NFP1-D and NFP2-D, respectively.

[0114] The window module WM can cover the entire upper surface of the display module DM. In this aspect of the disclosure, the window module WM can serve as a cover window for the electronic device ED. In this aspect of the disclosure, the window module WM can correspond to the uppermost component of the electronic device ED.

[0115] In this disclosure, the window module WM may include a window WP and a resin layer RL. The resin layer RL may be disposed on the upper or lower surface of the window WP. In the accompanying drawings of this specification, the resin layer RL is illustrated as being disposed on the lower surface of the window WP, but this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the resin layer RL may be disposed on the upper surface of the window WP, or the resin layer RL may be configured to cover both the upper and side surfaces of the window WP.

[0116] In this disclosure, the resin layer RL can be formed of an organic resin. Alternatively, the resin layer RL can be formed of a composite resin comprising both organic and inorganic materials.

[0117] In this disclosure, the window WP can be a tempered glass substrate. For example, the window WP can be an ultrathin tempered glass substrate. The window WP can have flexibility that allows its state to be easily changed by folding or bending.

[0118] In this disclosure, the window WP may include a thinning region having an average thickness smaller than that of other portions, and the thinning region may be configured to correspond to the folding region FA1 of the electronic device ED. Figure 5An exemplary illustration shows an electronic device ED including a single folding region FA1, but when multiple folding regions are included, the window WP may include thinning regions corresponding to these folding regions respectively. Because of the thinning regions included in the window WP, the electronic device ED can exhibit excellent folding or bending operation characteristics.

[0119] The window WP according to aspects of this disclosure may be a glass window manufactured by a window manufacturing apparatus and a window manufacturing method according to aspects of this disclosure, which will be described later.

[0120] Figures 6A to 6C Each of these is a cross-sectional view of a window according to an aspect of this disclosure. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The difference between windows WP and WP-a shown in the diagram lies in the shape of the grooves CCP and CCP-a formed in the thinning zone SLA. Furthermore, Figure 6C The number of recesses CCP-b1 and CCP-b2 in the window WP-b shown in the figure is different. Figure 6A The diagram shows the number of recessed CCPs in the window WP.

[0121] Figure 6A and Figure 6B Each of the windows WP and WP-a illustrated in the figure according to an aspect of the present disclosure may include a folded portion FP or FP-a and a first non-folded portion NFP1 and a second non-folded portion NFP2 spaced apart from each other in a first direction DR1, wherein the folded portion FP or FP-a is located between the first non-folded portion NFP1 and the second non-folded portion NFP2.

[0122] The recess CCP or CCP-a can be a portion formed by recessing into at least one of the upper or lower surfaces of the window WP or WP-a. The recess CCP or CCP-a can be defined within the folded portion FP or FP-a. Figure 6A and 6B In the illustration, the recess CCP or CCP-a of the window WP or WP-a is provided in a direction away from the upper surface of the display panel DP, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in the present disclosure, the window can be configured such that the recess is concave in the direction toward the display panel DP.

[0123] The thinning region SLA forming the groove CCP or CCP-a is formed as a portion relatively thinner than the first non-folded portion NFP1 and the second non-folded portion NFP2 of the window WP or WP-a. The groove CCP or CCP-a can be formed in a shape extending in the second direction DR2. The extending direction of the groove CCP or CCP-a can correspond to the first folding axis FX1 (see...). Figure 4The direction of extension of ).

[0124] The recessed CCP or CCP-a is the edge portion of the thinning zone SLA, EDP, which can be connected to the protruding portion EP in the window manufacturing apparatus according to aspects of this disclosure, as described later (see [link to disclosure]). Figure 9A The boundary corresponds to ).

[0125] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The window WP or WP-a illustrated in the figure is described as having a groove CCP or CCP-a defined only on one surface (upper or lower surface) of the window WP or WP-a, but the aspects of the disclosure are not limited thereto, and the window WP or WP-a according to the aspects of the disclosure may have grooves defined on both the upper and lower surfaces in the thinning zone SLA.

[0126] refer to Figure 6C According to aspects of this disclosure, the window WP-b may include a first non-folding portion NFP1, a second non-folding portion NFP2, and a third non-folding portion NFP3 arranged spaced apart from each other in a first direction DR1. According to aspects of this disclosure, the window WP-b may include a first folding portion FP-b1 disposed between the first non-folding portion NFP1 and the second non-folding portion NFP2, and a second folding portion FP-b2 disposed between the second non-folding portion NFP2 and the third non-folding portion NFP3. According to aspects of this disclosure, the window WP-b may include a first recess CCP-b1 defined in the first folding portion FP-b1 and a second recess CCP-b2 defined in the second folding portion FP-b2.

[0127] In window WP-b according to an aspect of this disclosure, the first groove CCP-b1 and the second groove CCP-b2 may be defined on different surfaces and may not overlap each other. However, the aspect of this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first groove CCP-b1 and the second groove CCP-b2 may be defined on the same surface. Furthermore, the portions defining the first groove CCP-b1 and the second groove CCP-b2 may also be referred to as thinning regions.

[0128] Figure 6C The window WP-b illustrated and described in accordance with aspects of this disclosure can be used as a reference. Figures 3A to 3C The window of the electronic device ED-b, which describes multiple folded areas.

[0129] Figures 6A to 6CThe recesses CCP, CCP-a, CCP-b1, or CCP-b2 defined in windows WP, WP-a, or WP-b according to aspects of the present disclosure, as illustrated in the figures, can correspond to protrusions included in the shape processing unit of the window manufacturing apparatus according to aspects of the present disclosure, as described later. In windows WP, WP-a, or WP-b according to aspects of the present disclosure, the width, depth, and position of the recesses CCP, CCP-a, CCP-b1, or CCP-b2 can be varied according to the desired folding or bending characteristics in the electronic device. Furthermore, the width, depth, and position of the recesses CCP, CCP-a, CCP-b1, or CCP-b2 can be controlled according to the shape and position of the protrusions in the window manufacturing apparatus according to aspects of the present disclosure, as well as the window manufacturing method, as described later.

[0130] refer to Figure 6A and Figure 6C According to aspects of this disclosure, the recesses CCP, CCP-b1, or CCP-b2 of the window WP or WP-b may include curved surfaces having a predetermined radius of curvature.

[0131] exist Figure 6A In the aspects of this disclosure illustrated herein, the groove CCP may have a concave shape based on the flat surfaces of the upper surfaces of the first non-folded portion NFP1 and the second non-folded portion NP2. The groove CCP may be defined as a continuous curved surface shape extending in a second direction DR2 between the first non-folded portion NFP1 and the second non-folded portion NFP2, which are spaced apart from each other along a first direction DR1.

[0132] In addition, Figure 6C In the aspects of this disclosure illustrated in the figures, the first groove CCP-b1 may have a concave shape based on the upper surfaces (which are flat surfaces) of the first non-folded portion NFP1 and the second non-folded portion NFP2, and the second groove CCP-b2 may have a concave shape based on the lower surfaces (which are flat surfaces) of the second non-folded portion NFP2 and the third non-folded portion NFP3. The first groove CCP-b1 may be defined as a continuous curved surface shape extending in a second direction DR2 between the first non-folded portions NFP1 and the second non-folded portions NFP2 spaced apart along a first direction DR1, and the second groove CCP-b2 may be defined as a continuous curved surface shape extending in a second direction DR2 between the second non-folded portions NFP2 and the third non-folded portions NFP3 spaced apart along the first direction DR1. However, unlike the figures, the first groove CCP-b1 and the second groove CCP-b2 may include features such as... Figure 6B The grooves in the CCP-a have inclined surfaces and flat surfaces.

[0133] refer to Figure 6B According to an aspect of this disclosure, the recess CCP-a of the window WP-a may include inclined surfaces SS1 and SS2. The recess CCP-a may have a concave shape based on a flat surface of the upper surface of the first non-folded portion NFP1 and the second non-folded portion NFP2. The recess CCP-a may include a recess flat surface SFP and a first inclined surface SS1 and a second inclined surface SS2 spaced apart from each other in a first direction DR1, wherein the recess flat surface SFP is located between the first inclined surface SS1 and the second inclined surface SS2. The recess flat surface SFP and the inclined surfaces SS1 and SS2 may be defined as continuous flat and inclined surfaces extending in a second direction DR2. The first inclined surface SS1, the recess flat surface SFP, and the second inclined surface SS2 may have continuous surfaces without discontinuity. The first inclined surface SS1, the recess flat surface SFP, and the second inclined surface SS2 may be adjacent to and connected to each other. The boundaries between the first inclined surface SS1 and the groove flat surface SFP, and between the groove flat surface SFP and the second inclined surface SS2, can be smoothly connected to each other without any discontinuity or step difference, so that the upper surface of the groove CCP-a can have a continuous surface.

[0134] Figures 6A to 6C The shapes of the recesses CCP, CCP-a, CCP-b1, and CCP-b2 in the windows WP, WP-a, and WP-b illustrated are exemplary, and the shapes of the recesses CCP, CCP-a, CCP-b1, and CCP-b2 can be changed according to the folding or bending characteristics required by the electronic device. For example, depending on the folding or bending characteristics required by the electronic device, the radius of curvature of the recesses CCP, CCP-b1, or CCP-b2 with curved shapes can be changed, the tilt angle or length of the tilted surfaces SS1 and SS2 in the recess CCP-a including the tilted surfaces can be changed, and the width of the flat surface SFP of the recess located between the tilted surfaces SS1 and SS2 can be changed. When multiple recesses are included, the number and position of the recesses can be changed.

[0135] The upper surfaces of the exposed recesses CCP, CCP-a, CCP-b1, or CCP-b2 in windows WP, WP-a, or WP-b manufactured by the window manufacturing apparatus and window manufacturing method according to aspects of the present disclosure, as described later, can be formed by reflecting the shape of the protrusions, and include a smooth, uninterrupted curved surface or an uninterrupted inclined surface formed continuously during the manufacturing process of the glass window.

[0136] Figure 7This is a block diagram of a window manufacturing apparatus according to aspects of the present disclosure. The window manufacturing apparatus PM according to aspects of the present disclosure may include a melting unit MTK and a shaping unit SM. The window manufacturing apparatus PM according to aspects of the present disclosure may include a transfer unit TM for transferring the window processed in the shaping unit SM. In the window manufacturing apparatus PM according to aspects of the present disclosure, the shaping unit SM may be disposed between the melting unit MTK and the transfer unit TM. The window manufacturing apparatus PM according to aspects of the present disclosure may further include a cooling unit CM. Furthermore, the window manufacturing apparatus PM according to aspects of the present disclosure may further include a cutting unit CTM disposed after the transfer unit TM.

[0137] In the window manufacturing apparatus PM according to aspects of this disclosure, the melting unit MTK may be a portion thereto supply glass raw material to form molten glass, or a portion thereto store molten glass in a molten and mixed state. The melting unit MTK may be heated to melt the glass raw material, or to keep the molten glass in a molten state. The melting unit MTK may be directly controlled and heated, or it may be heated by heat supplied from a heating unit (not shown) provided as a component separate from the melting unit MTK, to form molten glass. The melting unit MTK may include a discharge port through which molten glass may be discharged, and the discharged molten glass may be supplied to the shaping unit SM.

[0138] The shaping unit SM can be a portion that introduces a recessed or protruding shape into the preliminary glass, which has reached a semi-solid state after being discharged from the melting unit MTK, or processes the preliminary glass to give the final manufactured glass window a uniform thickness. Furthermore, in this disclosure, the shaping unit SM can also be used simultaneously as a cooling unit to cool the semi-solid preliminary glass to manufacture the glass window.

[0139] Since the window manufacturing apparatus PM according to this disclosure includes a shape processing unit SM disposed adjacent to the melting unit MTK, the preliminary glass in a semi-solid state after being discharged from the melting unit MTK can be processed continuously. Accordingly, when manufacturing a window in which grooves or the like are formed, the window processing step using a separate device for forming the grooves can be omitted after the raw glass sheet is produced.

[0140] In other words, by integrating the raw glass sheet manufacturing step and the shape processing step for obtaining the required window shape into a single device and performing these two steps together during window manufacturing, the window manufacturing apparatus PM according to aspects of this disclosure can achieve excellent process economy. Furthermore, by continuously processing the semi-solidified preliminary glass through the shape processing unit SM after the preliminary glass is discharged from the melting unit MTK, the window manufacturing apparatus PM according to aspects of this disclosure can prevent differences in the final glass window's shape due to deviations in each processing step for shape processing. Accordingly, all windows manufactured by the window manufacturing apparatus PM according to aspects of this disclosure can have a consistent shape for grooves, etc.

[0141] The window manufacturing apparatus PM according to aspects of this disclosure may further include a cooling unit CM. The cooling unit CM may be disposed after the shaping unit SM. The cooling unit CM may be a component for solidifying the preliminary glass processed in the shaping unit SM into the final glass window. The cooling unit CM can more uniformly correct the thickness of the preliminary glass processed in the shaping unit SM.

[0142] Meanwhile, in this disclosure, the shaping unit SM can be used as an annealing unit to shape the preliminary glass while it is being cooled. When the shaping unit SM is also used as an annealing unit, it can form continuous grooves in the semi-solidified preliminary glass and can also slowly cool the preliminary glass to form a glass window with a predetermined thickness.

[0143] In this aspect of the disclosure, in the window manufacturing apparatus PM, when the shape processing unit SM simultaneously performs a cooling function, the shape processing unit SM can process the groove and change the semi-solidified glass window state into a solidified glass window state. In this case, the thickness of the glass window can be corrected to be uniform through the cooling function of the shape processing unit SM.

[0144] The transfer unit TM can be positioned after the shaping unit SM and is used to transfer the glass window that has been processed into a groove after passing through the shaping unit SM. The transfer unit TM can move the glass window formed after being processed and cooled in the shaping unit SM. Furthermore, the glass window can be additionally cooled while being transferred in the transfer unit TM. The transfer unit TM can be in the form of multiple guide rollers or a conveyor belt. However, this disclosure is not limited to these aspects.

[0145] The window manufacturing apparatus PM according to aspects of this disclosure may further include a cutting unit CTM. The cutting unit CTM may be disposed after the shape processing unit SM. The cutting unit CTM may be used to cut the manufactured glass window into portions having the width or length required for the final product or having a specific three-dimensional shape.

[0146] In other words, since the window manufacturing apparatus PM according to this disclosure includes both a melting unit MTK configured to form molten glass and a shape processing unit SM disposed adjacent to the melting unit MTK and configured to perform the glass forming process, the glass manufacturing and forming processes can be performed in a single apparatus. Accordingly, when manufacturing windows using the window manufacturing apparatus PM according to this disclosure, process economy can be improved. Furthermore, since the window manufacturing apparatus PM according to this disclosure includes the shape processing unit SM disposed after and adjacent to the melting unit MTK, the glass shaping step can be performed on the preliminary glass in a semi-solid state after it is discharged from the melting unit MTK and before it is completely solidified. In other words, by continuously processing the semi-solid preliminary glass through the shape processing unit SM, the glass window manufactured by the window manufacturing apparatus PM according to this disclosure can have a uniform groove shape throughout the entire glass window.

[0147] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 8 to 12 A window manufacturing apparatus according to aspects of this disclosure is described. In the description of the window manufacturing apparatus according to aspects of this disclosure, references will not be repeated. Figure 7 The block diagram describes repetitive content and will primarily describe... Figures 8 to 12 Features of the device illustrated in the figure.

[0148] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a window manufacturing apparatus according to aspects of this disclosure. Figure 9A This is a perspective view of a shape processing unit according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 9B It is a cross-sectional view of the shape processing unit according to aspects of this disclosure. Figure 9B It can be with Figure 9A A cross-sectional view of the portion corresponding to line II-II'. Figure 9C This is a cross-sectional view of a shape processing unit according to an aspect of this disclosure.

[0149] exist Figure 8 In the X-axis (X), Y-axis (Y), and Z-axis (Z) illustrated in the accompanying figures below, the Z-axis direction is defined as upward. Furthermore, the X-axis (X) and Y-axis (Y) are orthogonal to each other, and the Z-axis (Z) can be the normal direction of the plane defined by the X-axis (X) and Y-axis (Y).

[0150] Meanwhile, the X-axis X can correspond to the third direction DR3 shown in the attached figure described above, the Y-axis Y can correspond to the first direction DR1 shown in the attached figure described above, and the Z-axis Z can correspond to the second direction DR2 shown in the attached figure described above.

[0151] refer to Figure 8 The window manufacturing apparatus PM-1 according to aspects of this disclosure may include a melting unit MTK and a shaping unit SM-1. Furthermore, the window manufacturing apparatus PM-1 according to aspects of this disclosure may include a transfer unit TM disposed after the shaping unit SM-1. The shaping unit SM-1 may be positioned to one side of the melting unit MTK. In this aspect of the disclosure, the shaping unit SM-1 may be disposed adjacent to the melting unit MTK in a direction parallel to the discharge direction EJD of the molten glass discharged from the melting unit MTK. In this aspect of the disclosure, the shaping unit SM-1 may be spaced apart from the melting unit MTK by a predetermined distance GP and positioned below the melting unit MTK in the discharge direction EJD of the molten glass. The molten glass, after being discharged from the melting unit MTK and before being supplied to the shaping unit SM-1, may be partially cooled and become semi-solidified.

[0152] Molten glass can be discharged from the melting unit MTK and supplied to the shaping unit SM-1 in the form of preliminary glass P-WP via a pull-down method. Meanwhile, the method of discharging the molten glass and providing it as preliminary glass P-WP is not limited to the pull-down method, and any glass manufacturing method can be used without limitation, as long as it can provide the molten glass in a semi-solidified state suitable for shaping, such as the hot-melt method.

[0153] The shape processing unit SM-1 can process the grooves included in the final glass window in the preliminary glass state (which corresponds to the state before the molten glass discharged from the melting unit MTK is processed into the final glass window), and the shape processing unit SM-1 can control the thickness of the preliminary glass by taking into account the thickness of the final glass window.

[0154] exist Figure 8In the window manufacturing apparatus PM-1 illustrated, the shape processing unit SM-1 may include a first sub-shape processing unit SMP-a and a second sub-shape processing unit SMP-b arranged spaced apart from each other, wherein the preliminary glass P-WP is located between the first sub-shape processing unit SMP-a and the second sub-shape processing unit SMP-b. The first sub-shape processing unit SMP-a and the second sub-shape processing unit SMP-b may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval DT in the X-axis direction. The interval DT between the first sub-shape processing unit SMP-a and the second sub-shape processing unit SMP-b may be greater than or equal to the thickness of the final manufactured window WP.

[0155] exist Figure 8 In the illustration, the distance DT between the first sub-shape processing unit SMP-a and the second sub-shape processing unit SMP-b in the X-axis direction is shown to remain constant, but this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, in an aspect of this disclosure, the distance DT between the first sub-shape processing unit SMP-a and the second sub-shape processing unit SMP-b in the X-axis direction can decrease as the unit moves toward the discharge direction EJD. Furthermore, in this case, the distance DT between the first sub-shape processing unit SMP-a and the second sub-shape processing unit SMP-b at the bottom of the shape processing unit SM-1 can be substantially equal to the final thickness of the window WP.

[0156] refer to Figures 8 to 9B The shape processing unit SM-1 can have a three-dimensional plate shape including a flat surface FS-SM and a protruding portion EP protruding from the flat surface FS-SM. The protruding portion EP can protrude toward the side facing the preliminary glass P-WP. The protruding portion EP can have a shape that extends continuously in the discharge direction EJD of the molten glass. Accordingly, the preliminary glass P-WP discharged and provided from the melting unit MTK can be continuously processed through the protruding portion EP.

[0157] One surface of the protruding portion EP, US-EP, may include a curved or inclined surface. The shape of the protruding portion EP can be transferred to the preliminary glass P-WP. The protruding portion EP includes a continuous curved or inclined surface without any step difference, and the shape of this continuous surface can be transferred to the preliminary glass P-WP, thereby enabling the fabrication of a window WP in which a groove corresponding to the shape of the protruding portion EP is formed. The thinning region SLA of the window WP may include the portion in which the groove is formed.

[0158] In the shape processing unit SM-1 of the window manufacturing apparatus PM-1 according to aspects of the present disclosure, at least one of the first sub-shape processing unit SMP-a and the second sub-shape processing unit SMP-b, which are arranged spaced apart from each other, may include at least one protruding portion EP, wherein the preliminary glass P-WP is located between the first sub-shape processing unit SMP-a and the second sub-shape processing unit SMP-b.

[0159] exist Figure 9A and Figure 9B In the illustration, shape processing unit SM-1 is exemplarily shown as representing either the first sub-shape processing unit SMP-a or the second sub-shape processing unit SMP-b. (Reference) Figure 9A and Figure 9B The shape processing unit SM-1 may include a protruding portion EP that protrudes from the flat surface FS-SM. The shape processing unit SM-1 may include a protruding area JEP-1 containing the protruding portion EP and flat areas JFP1-1 and JFP2-1 containing the flat surface FS-SM.

[0160] The surface of the initial glass P-WP, with its flat regions arranged spaced apart from each other and thinning regions SLA interposed therebetween, can be uniformly processed using the flat surface of the shape processing unit SM-1. The window WP according to an aspect of this disclosure described above (see...) Figure 6A ) can be manufactured by a window manufacturing apparatus PM-1 according to aspects of this disclosure, the window manufacturing apparatus PM-1 comprising: Figure 9A and Figure 9B The figure shows a shape processing unit SM-1 according to an aspect of this disclosure.

[0161] at the same time, Figure 9A and Figure 9B The shape processing unit SM-1 according to an aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated as including a protrusion in a sub-shape processing unit, but the aspects of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the sub-shape processing unit may include multiple protrusions.

[0162] Figure 9C The shape processing unit SM-1a illustrated in the figure corresponds to the case where two sub-shape processing units facing each other both include protruding portions EP.

[0163] Both the first sub-shape processing unit SMP-a1 and the second sub-shape processing unit SMP-b1 include a protruding portion EP, and the protruding portion EP of the first sub-shape processing unit SMP-a1 and the protruding portion EP of the second sub-shape processing unit SMP-b1 can be non-overlapping with each other in the X-axis direction.

[0164] Each of the first sub-shape processing unit SMP-a1 and the second sub-shape processing unit SMP-b1 may include a protruding region JEP-a or JEP-b and a first flat region JFP1-a or JFP1-b and a second flat region JFP2-a or JEP2-b spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction, wherein the protruding region JEP-a or JEP-b is located between the first flat region JFP1-a or JFP1-b and the second flat region JFP2-a or JEP2-b. For example, in Figure 9C In the aspects of this disclosure illustrated in the figure, the first sub-shape processing unit SMP-a1 may have a first flat region JFP1-a, wherein the first flat region JFP1-a has a width in the Y-axis direction that is larger than the width of the second flat region JFP2-a, and the second sub-shape processing unit SMP-b1 may have a first flat region JFP1-b, wherein the first flat region JFP1-b has a width in the Y-axis direction that is smaller than the width of the second flat region JFP2-b. That is, using... Figure 9C The window manufactured by the shape processing unit SM-1a illustrated in the figure may include two non-overlapping grooves in the thickness direction. For example, it can be used... Figure 9C The reference is manufactured using the shape processing unit SM-1a according to an aspect of this disclosure, as illustrated in the figure. Figure 6C The window WP-b described according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0165] at the same time, Figures 9A to 9C The shape processing unit SM-1 or SM-1a and the protruding portion EP included therein illustrated and described are exemplary in shape and arrangement, and the form of the shape processing unit SM-1 or SM-1a can be changed and applied according to the required glass window, taking into account the folding form of the electronic device and the arrangement of the folding area.

[0166] exist Figure 8 In the window manufacturing apparatus PM-1 illustrated in the figure, the shape processing unit SM-1 can be positioned at a predetermined distance GP from the melting unit MTK. During the window manufacturing process using the window manufacturing apparatus PM-1, the shape processing unit SM-1 can be fixedly arranged at a distance from the melting unit MTK. Accordingly, since the preliminary glass P-WP in a semi-solid state is continuously supplied from the melting unit MTK to the shape processing unit SM-1, which is adjacent to the melting unit MTK in the discharge direction EJD, a portion of the supplied preliminary glass P-WP may be squeezed and deformed due to the pressure exerted by protruding portions EP, etc.

[0167] The window manufacturing apparatus PM-1 according to aspects of this disclosure may include multiple guide rollers GRL-U1, GRL-U2, GRL-B1, and GRL-B2 as transfer units TM. (See reference...) Figure 8In this disclosure, the transfer unit TM includes an upper transfer unit GRL-U disposed adjacent to the shape processing unit SM-1 and a lower transfer unit GRL-B disposed after the upper transfer unit GRL-U. Each of the upper transfer unit GRL-U and the lower transfer unit GRL-B may include a pair of guide rollers GRL-U1 and GRL-U2 or GRL-B1 and GRL-B2 facing each other. The guide rollers GRL-U1, GRL-U2, GRL-B1, and GRL-B2 can sequentially move the window WP being processed by the roller rotation operation MVD while the window WP being processed passes through the shape processing unit SM-1.

[0168] at the same time, Figure 8 The construction of the transfer unit TM in the example is exemplary, and the aspects of this disclosure are not limited thereto. In addition to Figure 8 In addition to the guide rollers shown in the figures, the transfer unit TM of the window manufacturing apparatus PM-1 according to aspects of this disclosure may further include additional rollers or conveyor belt devices, or... Figure 8 Some of the guide rollers shown in the diagram can be omitted from the transfer unit TM.

[0169] Due to reference Figures 8 to 9C The window manufacturing apparatus PM-1, which includes a shape processing unit SM-1 or SM-1a according to aspects of this disclosure, includes a protruding portion EP extending in one direction, so that grooves can be coherently formed in the preliminary glass discharged from the melting unit MTK and supplied to the shape processing unit SM-1 or SM-1a.

[0170] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of a window manufacturing apparatus according to aspects of this disclosure. Figure 11A This is a perspective view of a shape processing unit according to aspects of this disclosure. Figure 11B It is a cross-sectional view of the shape processing unit according to aspects of this disclosure. Figure 11B It can be with Figure 11A A cross-sectional view of the portion corresponding to line III-III'. Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of a shape processing unit according to an aspect of this disclosure.

[0171] The window manufacturing apparatus PM-2 according to aspects of this disclosure may include a melting unit MTK and a shaping unit SM-2 disposed on one side of the melting unit MTK. The window manufacturing apparatus PM-2 according to aspects of this disclosure may include a cooling unit CM disposed after the shaping unit SM-2. The window manufacturing apparatus PM-2 according to aspects of this disclosure may include a transfer unit TM, and the cooling unit CM may be disposed between the shaping unit SM-2 and the transfer unit TM. In this aspect of the disclosure, the cooling unit CM may be disposed after the shaping unit SM-2 to further cool the preliminary glass P-WP processed in the shaping unit SM-2, enabling the final manufacture of a window WP in a solidified form. The cooling unit CM may be controlled such that the cooling step is performed as an annealing process, thereby ensuring that the thickness of the preliminary glass P-WP is uniformly formed.

[0172] Compared to Figure 8 The window manufacturing apparatus PM-1, as illustrated in the figure, is based on aspects of this disclosure. Figure 10 The window manufacturing apparatus PM-2 illustrated in the figure differs in the form of the shape processing unit.

[0173] exist Figure 10 In the window manufacturing apparatus PM-2 illustrated according to an aspect of this disclosure, the shape processing unit SM-2 may include a first sub-shape processing unit SMR-a and a second sub-shape processing unit SMR-b spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction. In this aspect of the disclosure, each of the first sub-shape processing unit SMR-a and the second sub-shape processing unit SMR-b may be in the form of a roller. Accordingly, the first sub-shape processing unit SMR-a may be referred to as a first sub-roller, and the second sub-shape processing unit SMR-b may be referred to as a second sub-roller.

[0174] refer to Figure 11A and Figure 11B The shaping unit SM-2 may include a protruding portion EP-R. The first sub-shaping unit SMR-a and the second sub-shaping unit SMR-b, having a roller shape, can process the provided preliminary glass P-WP via a rotational operation RD. At least one of the first sub-shaping units SMR-a and SMR-b of the shaping unit SM-2 may include at least one protruding portion EP-R. Either the first sub-shaping unit SMR-a or the second sub-shaping unit SMR-b may include one or more protruding portions EP-R. Alternatively, unlike this, each of the first sub-shaping unit SMR-a and the second sub-shaping unit SMR-b may include one protruding portion EP-R.

[0175] In the shape processing unit SM-2 according to aspects of this disclosure, the protruding portion EP-R may correspond to a portion of the shape processing unit SM-2 having a diameter larger than that of other portions. The shape processing unit SM-2 may include a protruding region JEP-2 containing the protruding portion EP-R and a first flat region JFP1-2 and a second flat region JFP2-2 spaced apart from each other in one direction, wherein the protruding region JEP-2 is located between the first flat region JFP1-2 and the second flat region JFP2-2. The diameter DEP of the protruding portion EP-R included in the protruding region JEP-2 may be larger than the diameter DFP of the flat region JFP1-2 or JFP2-2.

[0176] Accordingly, a groove can be formed in the preliminary glass P-WP in the portion corresponding to the protruding portion EP-R. The shape of the protruding portion EP-R is transferred to the preliminary glass P-WP to form the groove, and the window WP including the thinning area SLA in which the groove is formed can be manufactured by the window manufacturing apparatus PM-2 according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0177] The first sub-shape processing unit SMR-a and the second sub-shape processing unit SMR-b can perform a rotation operation RD when the preliminary glass P-WP is between the first sub-shape processing unit SMR-a and the second sub-shape processing unit SMR-b. This transfers the shape of the protruding part EP-R onto the preliminary glass P-WP and moves the preliminary glass P-WP toward the cooling unit CM.

[0178] The window manufacturing apparatus PM-2 according to aspects of this disclosure may include a cooling unit CM disposed after the shaping unit SM-2. In the cooling unit CM, preliminary glass P-WP may be cooled and solidified to ultimately form the window WP. When the preliminary glass is cooled and solidified in the cooling unit CM after the groove is formed, surface correction may occur due to the slight fluidity of the preliminary glass P-WP so that the exposed surface of the groove has uniform surface characteristics.

[0179] The window manufacturing apparatus PM-2 according to aspects of this disclosure may include a transfer unit TM disposed after the cooling unit CM. The transfer unit TM may include multiple guide rollers GRL-U1, GRL-U2, GRL-B1, and GRL-B2. (See reference...) Figure 8 As described, each of the upper transfer unit GRL-U and the lower transfer unit GRL-B may include a pair of guide rollers GRL-U1 and GRL-U2 or GRL-B1 and GRL-B2 facing each other. The guide rollers GRL-U1, GRL-U2, GRL-B1, and GRL-B2 can sequentially move the window WP being processed through the roller rotation operation MVD while the window WP being processed passes through the shape processing unit SM-1.

[0180] Figure 12 The illustration shows a cross-sectional view of another form of the protrusion in the shape processing unit according to an aspect of the present disclosure, and an enlarged plan view of a portion of the surface of the protrusion.

[0181] The protruding portion EP-Ra may include micropatterns defined on its surface. The micropatterns may be defined as sub-protrusions SEP and sub-grooves SHP disposed between the sub-protrusions SEP. The micropatterns may be defined on the surface of the exposed protruding portion EP-Ra, and correspondingly, the micropatterns may also be formed in the grooves of the window formed after the shape of the protruding portion EP-Ra has been transferred. When deformation occurs in the thinning region of the window formed to include the thinning region in which the micropatterns are formed, stress can be dispersed due to the micropatterns, thereby improving reliability during folding or bending operations.

[0182] In this disclosure, such as Figure 12 As shown in the magnified planar view of a portion of the surface of the EP-Ra protrusion in the SFA, the micropatterns can have a honeycomb pattern shape on the plane. However, the aspects of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0183] Figure 13A This is a perspective view of a window manufacturing apparatus according to aspects of this disclosure. Figure 13B This is a perspective view of a shape processing unit according to aspects of this disclosure. Figure 13B The illustration is provided for illustrative purposes only. Figure 13A It is part of the structure of the shape processing unit in the process.

[0184] According to aspects of this disclosure, the window manufacturing apparatus PM-2a and reference Figure 10 The difference in the window manufacturing apparatus PM-2 described according to aspects of this disclosure is that the shape processing unit SM-2a includes a plurality of shape processing units arranged sequentially in the Z-axis direction.

[0185] The shape processing unit SM-2a of the window manufacturing apparatus PM-2a according to aspects of the present disclosure may include upper shape processing units SMR-a1 and SMR-b1 and lower shape processing units SMR-a2 and SMR-b2 arranged sequentially in the Z-axis direction parallel to the discharge direction of the molten glass. In the upper shape processing units SMR-a1 and SMR-b1 and the lower shape processing units SMR-a2 and SMR-b2, each of the shape processing units that overlap each other in the Z-axis direction may include a protruding portion EP-R.

[0186] Upper shaping units SMR-a1 and SMR-b1 may include a first upper shaping unit SMR-a1 and a second upper shaping unit SMR-b1 facing each other, wherein the preliminary glass P-WP is located between the first upper shaping unit SMR-a1 and the second upper shaping unit SMR-b1. Lower shaping units SMR-a2 and SMR-b2 may include a first lower shaping unit SMR-a2 and a second lower shaping unit SMR-b2 facing each other, wherein the preliminary glass P-WP is located between the first lower shaping unit SMR-a2 and the second lower shaping unit SMR-b2.

[0187] refer to Figure 13B The protruding portions EP-R of the first upper shaping unit SMR-a1 and the first lower shaping unit SMR-a2 can be arranged to overlap each other. Since the protruding portions EP-R included in the upper and lower shaping units are arranged to overlap each other, the preliminary glass P-WP can be processed in the overlapping portion while passing through both the upper and lower shaping units SMR-a1 and SMR-a2. Accordingly, the surface of the groove formed in the thinning zone SLA can exhibit a more uniform appearance quality.

[0188] At the same time, Figure 13B In the illustration, the protruding portion EP-R of the first upper shape processing unit SMR-a1 and the protruding portion EP-R of the first lower shape processing unit SMR-a2 are shown to have the same size and shape, but the aspects of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0189] For example, in cross-section, the diameter of the protruding portion EP-R of the first lower shaping unit SMR-a2 can be larger than the diameter of the protruding portion EP-R of the first upper shaping unit SMR-a1. In this case, the groove can be further processed to be more recessed along the movement direction of the initial glass P-WP via the protruding portion EP-R. Furthermore, in aspects of this disclosure, the shaping unit SM-2a may include three or more shaping units whose protruding portions overlap each other in the Z-axis direction. As the number of shaping units including protruding portions at the overlapping positions increases, the amount of processing of the groove formed by the protruding portions (i.e., the degree of recess of the groove) increases, and the consistency and accuracy of the groove shape can be improved.

[0190] In the following description, a window manufacturing method according to aspects of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the window manufacturing method according to aspects of the present disclosure, reference to Figures 1 to 12 will not be repeated. Figure 13B The content described is repetitive, and the main focus will be on describing the differences.

[0191] Figure 14This is a flowchart of a window manufacturing method according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The window manufacturing method 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure may include: manufacturing molten glass (step S10); providing a semi-solidified preliminary glass to a shaping unit (step S30); forming a groove in the preliminary glass (step S50); and cooling the preliminary glass (step S70).

[0192] Since the window manufacturing method 100 according to this disclosure includes providing a semi-solidified preliminary glass to a shaping unit and forming a groove in the semi-solidified preliminary glass in the shaping unit, the manufacturing of the raw glass sheet and the shaping of the glass window with the thinning zone can be performed sequentially, thus achieving excellent process economy.

[0193] Manufacturing molten glass (step S10) may include feeding glass raw materials to a melting unit, melting and mixing the glass raw materials, and forming molten glass.

[0194] Providing the semi-solid preliminary glass to the shaping unit (step S30) may include providing molten glass discharged from the melting unit as semi-solid preliminary glass to the shaping unit. The semi-solid state can mean a state in which deformation can occur when pressure is applied or when the glass is in contact with a shaping unit of a specific shape. Preliminary glass can refer to the entire range between its liquid state stored in or immediately discharged from the melting unit and its state after cooling and complete solidification into a glass window.

[0195] Providing the preliminary glass to the shaping unit (step S30) may include moving the preliminary glass from the melting unit to the shaping unit in the discharge direction of the molten glass.

[0196] After the preliminary glass is provided to the shaping unit (step S30), the formation of a groove in the preliminary glass can be performed sequentially (step S50). Forming a groove in the preliminary glass (step S50) may include forming a groove in the preliminary glass provided to the shaping unit by using a protrusion of the shaping unit.

[0197] Forming a groove in the preliminary glass (step S50) may include positioning the shaping unit adjacent to the preliminary glass, or operating the shaping unit such that the shape of the protrusion is transferred onto the preliminary glass. For example, when using the method described above... Figure 8 When manufacturing windows using the window manufacturing apparatus PM-1, the protruding part EP of the shape processing unit SM-1 can be fixedly set so that... (see...) Figure 9A (Step S50) is performed adjacent to the preliminary glass to form a groove in the preliminary glass. Furthermore, when using the method described above... Figure 10When manufacturing windows using the PM-2 window manufacturing apparatus, the protruding portion EP-R of the shape processing unit SM-2 can be made so that the shape processing unit SM-2 protrudes (see...) Figure 11A The shape processing unit SM-2 is rotated adjacent to the preliminary glass to perform the formation of grooves in the preliminary glass (step S50).

[0198] Forming a groove in the preliminary glass (step S50) may include forming the groove in the preliminary glass using the protrusion in a continuous manner. The preliminary glass in a semi-solid state may be provided to the shaping unit, and subsequently, the preliminary glass may be moved continuously through the shaping unit, such that the groove shape may be sequentially formed in the provided preliminary glass.

[0199] The window manufacturing method 100 according to aspects of this disclosure may include cooling a preliminary glass (step S70). Cooling the preliminary glass (step S70) may be performed simultaneously with or after forming a groove in the preliminary glass (step S50).

[0200] In the shape processing unit of the window manufacturing apparatus according to aspects of the present disclosure, forming a groove in the preliminary glass (step S50) and cooling the preliminary glass (step S70) can be performed simultaneously. Furthermore, when the window manufacturing apparatus according to aspects of the present disclosure includes a cooling unit disposed after the shape processing unit, cooling the preliminary glass (step S70) can be performed separately after forming the groove in the preliminary glass (step S50).

[0201] In the cooling unit, the preliminary glass can be cooled to form a solidified glass window. When the glass window is formed in the cooling unit, its thickness can be corrected. Accordingly, after cooling the preliminary glass (step S70), the glass window can exhibit uniform thickness and excellent surface properties.

[0202] Figure 15 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view illustrating a step of a window manufacturing method in a window manufacturing apparatus according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0203] In the melting unit MTK, molten glass MTG is produced, and the molten glass MTG can be discharged in the discharge direction EJD and transformed into semi-solid preliminary glass P-WP. The preliminary glass P-WP can be provided to the shaping unit SM. The shaping unit SM can be located adjacent to the melting unit MTK in the discharge direction EJD of the molten glass MTG.

[0204] The shaping unit SM can be positioned below the discharge direction EJD of the molten glass MTG and receives the preliminary glass P-WP, which is transformed into a sheet shape as the molten glass MTG is partially cooled and semi-solidified. The shaping unit SM may include a first sub-shaping unit SM-a and a second sub-shaping unit SM-b facing each other in the thickness direction of the preliminary glass P-WP. Figure 15 In the aspects of this disclosure illustrated herein, the first sub-shape processing unit SM-a may include a protruding portion EP. The protruding portion EP may have a shape that protrudes to be adjacent to the preliminary glass P-WP. The protruding portion EP may have a shape that extends in a direction parallel to the discharge direction EJD. Accordingly, the shape of the protruding portion EP may be transferred to the surface of the preliminary glass P-WP that moves along the protruding portion EP, thereby forming a groove in the preliminary glass P-WP.

[0205] In this disclosure, the shaping unit SM can be used as a cooling unit, and the window WP forming the groove can be ultimately manufactured by passing through the shaping unit SM.

[0206] Figure 16 An exemplary illustration shows a portion of forming a groove in the initial glass (step S50). Reference Figure 16 The groove CCP of the preliminary glass P-WP can be formed along the shape of the protrusion EP of the first sub-shape processing unit SM-a. The shape of the protrusion EP can be transferred to form the groove CCP on one surface of the preliminary glass P-WP. The remaining portions of the shape processing units SM-a and SM-b, excluding the protrusion EP, can have flat surfaces adjacent to the preliminary glass P-WP, and the remaining portions of the preliminary glass P-WP, excluding the groove CCP, can be processed through these flat surfaces to have uniform surface characteristics.

[0207] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of a window manufactured by a window manufacturing method according to aspects of the present disclosure. The window WP manufactured by the window manufacturing method according to aspects of the present disclosure can be a glass window including a recessed CCP. The area in the window WP in which the recessed CCP is formed can be referred to as the thinning area SLA. The window WP can be manufactured to have a folded portion FP including the thinning area SLA in which the recessed CCP is defined, and non-folded portions NFP1 and NFP2 corresponding to the flat area FSA.

[0208] Windows manufactured using the window manufacturing apparatus and method according to aspects of this disclosure can have a uniform surface on the exposed surface of the groove. Furthermore, since the manufacturing of windows from glass raw materials is performed sequentially in a single manufacturing apparatus, the manufactured windows can exhibit uniform quality characteristics.

[0209] Because the window manufacturing apparatus according to aspects of this disclosure includes a shape processing unit disposed after the melting unit and having a protrusion corresponding to the required groove shape of the window, glass manufacturing and thinning zone processing can be performed sequentially in a single apparatus. Accordingly, windows manufactured by the window manufacturing apparatus according to aspects of this disclosure can have excellent processing characteristics and uniform surface quality.

[0210] Since the window manufacturing method according to this disclosure includes feeding semi-solidified preliminary glass to a shaping unit and using protrusions in the shaping unit to form grooves, a glass window with a thinning zone is manufactured by forming grooves sequentially after manufacturing molten glass, thereby eliminating the need for separate processes for glass shaping and exhibiting improved process economy.

[0211] Although aspects of this disclosure have been described above with reference to them, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to aspects of this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure and the claims.

[0212] Accordingly, the technical scope of this disclosure should not be limited to what is described in the detailed description of this specification, but should be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A window manufacturing apparatus, comprising: The melting unit is configured to supply molten glass; as well as A shaping unit is configured to be adjacent to the melting unit in the discharge direction, wherein the molten glass is discharged from the melting unit in the discharge direction, and wherein the shaping unit includes a protrusion configured to form a groove in the semi-solidified preliminary glass formed by the molten glass discharged from the melting unit.

2. The window manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The shape processing unit includes: The first sub-shape processing unit and the second sub-shape processing unit are spaced apart from each other in the thickness direction of the semi-solidified preliminary glass, wherein the semi-solidified preliminary glass is located between the first sub-shape processing unit and the second sub-shape processing unit. Wherein, at least one of the first sub-shape processing unit and the second sub-shape processing unit includes at least one of the protruding portions.

3. The window manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The protruding portion extends in a direction parallel to the discharge direction, and The protruding portion protrudes toward the semi-solidified preliminary glass in order to transfer the shape of the protruding portion onto the semi-solidified preliminary glass.

4. The window manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The shape processing unit includes: The protruding area includes the protruding portion; and A first flat region and a second flat region are spaced apart from each other, wherein the protruding region is located between the first flat region and the second flat region, and wherein the first flat region and the second flat region each include a flat surface.

5. The window manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The shape processing unit is fixedly disposed at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the melting unit in the discharge direction.

6. The window manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The shaping unit forms the groove in the semi-solidified preliminary glass and cools the semi-solidified preliminary glass.

7. The window manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The shape processing unit includes a roller containing the protruding portion.

8. The window manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The roller includes: The protruding area includes the protruding portion; and A first flat region and a second flat region are spaced apart from each other, wherein a protruding region is located between the first flat region and the second flat region, and wherein the diameter of the protruding region is greater than the diameter of the first flat region and the diameter of the second flat region.

9. The window manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, Further includes: A cooling unit is spaced apart from the melting unit, wherein the shaping unit is located between the cooling unit and the melting unit.

10. The window manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The shape processing unit includes: The first sub-roller and the second sub-roller are spaced apart from each other in the thickness direction of the semi-solidified preliminary glass, wherein the semi-solidified preliminary glass is located between the first sub-roller and the second sub-roller. Wherein, at least one of the first sub-roller and the second sub-roller includes at least one of the protruding portions.

11. The window manufacturing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The first sub-roller and the second sub-roller are configured to rotate while the semi-solidified preliminary glass is between the first sub-roller and the second sub-roller, such that the shape of the protruding portion is transferred onto the semi-solidified preliminary glass, and the semi-solidified preliminary glass is movable between the first sub-roller and the second sub-roller.

12. The window manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The shape processing unit includes: An upper shaping unit and a lower shaping unit are arranged sequentially in the discharge direction, wherein each of the upper shaping unit and the lower shaping unit includes the protruding portion, and The protruding portion of the upper shaping unit and the protruding portion of the lower shaping unit overlap each other in the discharge direction.

13. The window manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The surface of the protruding portion includes micropatterns, and the micropatterns include multiple sub-protruding portions.

14. The window manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The transfer unit is configured to move the solidified glass window formed from the semi-solidified preliminary glass processed in the shaping unit.

15. A method for manufacturing a window using a window manufacturing apparatus, the window manufacturing apparatus comprising a melting unit and a shaping unit including a protruding portion, the method comprising: Glass raw materials are supplied to the melting unit to produce molten glass; The molten glass is discharged from the melting unit to provide semi-solid preliminary glass to the shaping unit; The protruding portion in the shape processing unit is used to form a groove in the semi-solidified preliminary glass; as well as Cool the semi-solidified preliminary glass.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The formation of the groove in the semi-solidified preliminary glass and the cooling of the semi-solidified preliminary glass are performed simultaneously in the shaping unit.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein, Forming the groove in the semi-solidified preliminary glass includes: The shaping unit is positioned adjacent to the semi-solidified preliminary glass; or The shape processing unit is operated so that the shape of the protruding portion is transferred onto the semi-solidified preliminary glass.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The window manufacturing apparatus further includes a cooling unit disposed after the shape processing unit; and The thickness of the window is corrected in the cooling unit.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The semi-solidified preliminary glass is continuously supplied to the shaping unit by moving it from the melting unit to the shaping unit in the direction in which the molten glass is discharged from the melting unit.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, Forming the groove in the semi-solidified preliminary glass includes: forming the groove continuously through the protrusion in the semi-solidified preliminary glass.

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